Blueberry plant named ‘BB05-268MI-152’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of blueberry plant named ‘BB05-268MI-152’ as described and shown herein. ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is a new and distinct high chill tetraploid Northern highbush blueberry ( Vaccinium ) variety consisting of primarily  V. corymbosum , with a limited contribution of genes from  V. ashei  and  V. darrowi . ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is a very productive midseason maturing variety. It is characterized as having large fruit, medium blue in color, and is very firm with a very small and dry picking scar. The fruit is well exposed on a vigorous medium upright bush.

Latin name: Vaccinium corymbosum.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Blueberries are a well-known fruit enjoyed by many throughout the world.One example of an existing, patented blueberry variety is ‘Bluecrop’,unpatented. Another example of an existing, patented blueberry varietyis ‘Draper’, U.S. plant Pat. No. 15,103.

Compared to ‘Bluecrop’, ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is more upright, the leaves aremuch larger in size, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 5 days later and thedate of 50% open flowers is 7 days earlier.

Compared to ‘Draper’, the bush habit of ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is morespreading, the mature leaf color is lighter green, the berry size andweight are less, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 3 days earlier, the berryis less firm, the date of 50% open flowers is 7 days earlier and‘BB05-268MI-152’ has a rounder berry shape.

The present cultivar, ‘BB05-268MI-152’, provides one or more advantagescompared to these and/or other blueberry varieties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

FIG. 1 is a photograph taken in early March 2018, Grand Junction, Mich.of the Blueberry cultivar ‘BB005-268MI-152’ showing the color of thelate winter canes and the color, the size, shape and color of thedormant buds and the color and texture of the older canes.

FIG. 2 is a close-up photograph taken in mid-May 2018, Grand Junction,Mich. of the Blueberry cultivar ‘BB005-268MI-152’ showing unopenedflowers, their shape, their color, the color of the peduncles andpedicels.

FIG. 3 is a photograph taken in early July 2018, showing of the6-year-old bush of Blueberry cultivar ‘BB005-268MI-152’ showing the bushshape, abundance and color of mature leaves, the color of ripe andunripe fruit, and the relative crop load.

FIG. 4 is a close-up photograph taken in mid-July 2018, Grand Junction,Mich. of the Blueberry cultivar ‘BB005-268MI-152’ showing ripe andunripe fruit, the shape and relative size and their color, shape andsize of the calyx.

FIG. 5 is a close up photograph taken in early July 2018, GrandJunction, Mich., of the Blueberry cultivar ‘BB05-268MI-152’ showing theshape, size and color of mature leaves and their venation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Note: statements of characteristics herein represent exemplaryobservations of the cultivar herein and will vary depending on time ofyear, location, annual weather, etc. Where dimensions, sizes, colors,and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that suchcharacteristics are approximations and averages. The descriptionsreported herein are largely based on field observations made in 2018 inadvanced trial plantings on mature 6-year old bushes in Grand Junction,Mich. Laboratory analysis of fruit characteristics were done in GrandJunction, Mich. in 2018. All progeny have retained the characteristicsof the original selection, as appropriate for the various locationscited.

Cultivar Name: ‘BB05-268MI-152’.

Classification.

-   -   Family: Ericaceae.    -   Botanical name: Vaccinium corymbosum.    -   Common name: Blueberry.

Parentage.

FEMALE PARENT.

Name: ‘Draper’.

USPP: U.S. Plant Pat. No.15,103.

Compared to ‘Draper’, ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is more spreading, the matureleaf color is lighter green, the berry size and weight per berry isless, the date of 50% ripe fruit is 3 days earlier, the berry is lessfirm, the date of 50% open flowers is 7 days earlier and‘BB05-268MI-152’ has a rounder berry shape.

MALE PARENT.

‘Ozarkblue’.

USPP: U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,035.

Compared to ‘Ozarkblue’, ‘BB05-268MI-152’ has a more upright bush shape,a slightly smaller and lighter colored berry, the date of 50% ripe fruitis 10 days earlier. ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is a much firmer berry and‘BB05-268MI-152’ is slightly sweeter and more acidic. The date of 50%open flowers of ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is 10 days earlier.

‘BB05-268-MI-152’ originated as a seedling selected from the cross of‘Draper’ (female) x ‘Ozarkblue’ (male). The seed that gave rise to‘BB05-268MI-152’ was produced by hand pollination in a greenhouse inSouth Haven, Mich. in 2005, grown for 18 months and shipped to Muskegon,Mich. where ‘BB05-268MI-152’ was planted in an observation nursery in2007. The plant was evaluated for 3 years and first selected in 2010,based on its excellent fruit and morphological characteristics; i.e.maturity date, bush habit, berry quality, flavor, and storage ability.The bush was given the ‘designation ‘BB05-268MI-152’. ‘BB05-268MI-152’was first asexually propagated by vegetative cuttings in Grand Junction,Mich. in 2010 for additional plantings in 2011. Additional plants havebeen propagated by softwood cuttings and tissue culture. Five and tenplants were placed in advanced trials in Grand Junction, Mich., SouthHaven, Mich., Bloomingdale, Mich., and Hammonton, N.J. in 2011 and 2013.All of the propagated plants have retained the original characteristicsstated herein, as appropriate for the various locations cited.

‘BB05-268MI-152’ was first asexually propagated by vegetative cuttingsto be used for additional plantings, in 2010 in Grand Junction, Mich.Micropropagation of ‘BB05-268MI-152’ by tissue culture was firstinitiated in Middleton, Wisc. in 2013. In all cases, the propagatedplants have retained the original characteristics of the originalselected plant when grown in Western Michigan or as appropriate for thevarious locations cited. This variety roots readily from hardwood orsoftwood cuttings as well as tissue-cultured microshoots.

All field observations were made in 2018 on plants located in advancedtrials in Grand Junction, Mich. from plants propagated from the originalselected plant. Laboratory analysis of fruit characteristics were doneat Grand Junction, Mich. in 2018.

General comments: ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is a new and distinct high chilltetraploid Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium) variety consisting ofprimarily V. corymbosum, with a limited contribution of genes from V.ashei and V. darrowi. ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is a very productive midseasonmaturing variety. ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is characterized as having largefruit, medium blue in color, and is very firm with a very small and drypicking scar. The fruit is well exposed on a vigorous medium uprightbush. Along with a small sized crown, a loose fruit cluster,concentrated ripening and very firm fruit that is easily detachable, thevariety displays characteristics suitable for mechanical harvest. It isintended for areas that successfully grow high chill Northern highbushvarieties. Ripe fruit are large, around 2 grams/berry. The mean date of50% flowering for BB05-268-152′ in Grand Junction, Mich. is May 12.Frost protection may be needed for successful pollination and fruit set.Winter chill requirement for successful flowering and leafing is atleast 1000 hours below 7° C. Leaves emerge a few days before floweringcommences. The mean 50% ripening date for ‘BB05-268MI-152’ is about July11 in Grand Junction, Mich. The fruit shape is oblate with a mediumamount of waxy bloom that is rather persistent following handling. Ithas very good flavor, a balance of sweetness and acidity and is veryjuicy with a crunchy texture. It has a medium long storage capability of3 weeks or more in refrigeration with little decline in quality.

References to color refer to The Pantone Book of Color, Eisemann andHerbert, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, New York, ISBN 0-8109-3711-5,1990.

Color measurements were taken with a SpectraMagic NX Model CR410, KonicaMinolta, Japan.

Device used to measure Soluble Solids (SS-Brix°), Titratable acidity(TA), pH: PAL-BX/Acid 7, Atago USA, Inc., Bellevue, Wash.

Morphological characteristics reference: Plant Systematics, Jones andLuchsinger, 2 Ed., McGraw Hill, New York, ISBN 0-07-032796-3, 1986.

Firmness readings: BioWorks FirmTec2, Wamena, Kans.

-   Average size information.    -   -   General description.—Medium large bush, medium upright bush            shape, 5 year old bush averages 120 cm tall, 90 cm wide,            height/width ratio — 1.33.        -   Growth.—Very good growth and vigor, leafing is normal and            abundant.        -   Productivity.—Very good.        -   Cold hardiness.—Leaf and flower buds −26° C., open flowers            and fruit −2° C.-   Specific features of the variety.-   Plant.    -   -   Growth habit.—Medium upright.        -   Plant width.—90 cm at mid-bush.        -   Plant height.—120 cm.        -   Productivity.—8.4 lbs. per plant.        -   Cold hardiness/tolerance.—Leaf and flower buds −26° C., open            flowers and fruit −2° C.        -   Chilling requirement.—1000+ hours below 7° C.        -   Canes.—Moderately branched, average 5-6 canes per bush,            average length of 40cm per cane, range 36-48 cm in length,            medium number of lateral branches.        -   Mature cane color.—Pantone Maple Sugar 15-1316.        -   Mature cane texture.—Rough.        -   Fruiting wood.—Immature winter color — Pantone Mineral Red            17-1537, immature summer color — Pantone Willow Green            15-0525.        -   Internode length range.—21-25 mm.        -   Surface texture of new wood.—Smooth.        -   Mature canes.—Circular in shape, mature width 10mm.        -   Time of beginning of leaf bud burst.—April 25, Grand            Junction, Mich.        -   Time of beginning of flowering.—May 2, Grand Junction, Mich.        -   Date of 50% open flowers.—May 12, Grand Junction, Mich.        -   Time of 50% fruit ripening.—July 11, Grand Junction, Mich.        -   Disease resistance/susceptibility.—None claimed.        -   Self-fertility.—Highly self-fertile, pollination by another            variety typically results in enhanced berry size and yield.        -   Fertility.—Self-fruitful.-   Foliage.    -   -   Leaf color.—Upper — Pantone Chive 19-0323, Lower — Pantone            Spinach Green 16-0439.        -   Leaf arrangement.—Simple Alternate.        -   Leaf margins.—Entire.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnate.        -   Leaf shape.—Elliptic.        -   Leaf apices.—Acute.        -   Leaf bases.—Acute.        -   Typical and observed leaf texture.—Upper surface: Smooth;            Lower surface: smooth except for slight ridging of central            vein and lateral veins.        -   Vein and petiole coloration.—Pantone Spinach Green 16-0439.        -   Petiole length.—5 mm.        -   Petiole Diameter.—1.5 mm.        -   Petiole color.—Pantone Grasshopper 18-0332.-   Leaf dimensions.    -   -   Overall shape.—Elliptic.        -   Length.—Range 68-78 mm, average 75 mm.        -   Width.—Range 35-42 mm, average 38 mm.        -   Leaf margins.—Entire.        -   Nectaries.—No nectaries visible on the leaf surface.        -   Fall leaf color.—Pantone Burgundy 19-1617.-   Flower buds.    -   -   Shape.—Elliptic.        -   Length.—6 mm.        -   Width.—2 mm.        -   Color.—Pantone Pompeii 18-1426.-   Flowers.    -   -   Flower shape.—Urceolate.        -   Flower bud number.—Medium high.        -   Flowers per cluster.—Average 8-9 per cluster.        -   Flower fragrance.—Light floral.        -   Corolla color.—Pantone Antique White 11-0105.        -   Corolla length.—7 mm.        -   Corolla aperture width.—4 mm.        -   Flower peduncle length.—3 mm.        -   Flower peduncle diameter.—1 mm.        -   Flower peduncle texture.—Slightly rough.        -   Flower peduncle color.—Pantone Grasshopper 18-0332.        -   Flower pedicel length.—4 mm.        -   Flower pedicel diameter.—1 mm.        -   Flower pedicel texture.—Smooth.        -   Flower pedicel color.—Pantone Grasshopper 18-0332.        -   Calyx length (with sepals).—2 mm.        -   Calyx color.—Pantone Spinach Green 16-0439.        -   Stamen.—Length: 5 mm. Number per flower: 10. Filament color:            Pantone Hazel 17-1143.        -   Style.—Length 7 mm. Color: Pantone Grasshopper 18-0332.        -   Pistil.—7 mm top of ovary to stigma tip, 1 mm above the top            of corolla.        -   Ovary color.—Pantone Grasshopper 18-0332.-   Pollen.    -   -   Abundance.—Moderately abundant.        -   Color.—Pantone Linen 12-1008.-   Fruit.    -   -   Date of 50% maturity.—July 11, Grand Junction, Mich.’        -   Duration of ripening; 17 days.        -   Average total yield per plant.—8.4 lbs per plant.        -   Cluster density.—Loose.        -   Berry color with wax.—Pantone Celestial Blue 14-4308.        -   Berry color with wax removed.—Pantone Majolica Blue 19-4125.        -   Berry flesh color.—Pantone Frozen Dew 13-0513.        -   Berry surface wax abundance.—Moderately heavy, persistent.        -   Calyx shape.—5 point.        -   Calyx diameter.—4 mm.        -   Calyx depth.—1.5 mm.        -   Detachment force.—Easy.        -   Berry weight.—Average 2.0 grams/berry.        -   Berry size diameter.—18 mm.        -   Berry height.—15 mm.        -   Typical berry shape.—Slightly oblate.        -   Aspect (height/width).—0.83.        -   Average number of fruit per cluster.—8-9.        -   Average fruit weight per cluster.—16.8 grams.        -   Fruit stem scar.—Small, dry, 1 mm diameter, depth — 0.5 mm.        -   Berry firmness.—Firm; FirmTec2 reading 208 g/mm².        -   Berry sweetness.—Medium high, Brix°=13.2.        -   Berry acidity.—Medium high, titratable acidity=0.67.        -   Berry flavor and texture.—Balanced flavor of sweetness and            acidity, juicy and very crunchy texture.        -   Storage quality.—Excellent, storage of 3 weeks with little            loss of quality.        -   Suitability for mechanical harvesting.—A small bush crown, a            medium upright bush shape, very firm fruit and easy            detachment are desirable for mechanical harvest.-   Seed.    -   -   Seed abundance in fruit.—Average 13 seeds per fruit.        -   Seed color.—Pantone Auburn 18-1343.        -   Seed dry weight.—NA.        -   Seed size.—1 mm length, 0.5 mm width.-   Possible typical market uses: Fresh market, processing into jams,    purees, and yogurt.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Blueberry plantnamed ‘BB05-268MI-152’ as described and shown herein.